Li Man'er treated Emperor Chenghua for about six or seven days. His mental and physical condition improved significantly. He gained some weight, his complexion became much better, and more importantly, the faint aura of death around him seemed to dissipate. His pulse had changed, with vital energy rising from his internal organs, a sign of withered trees blooming in spring.
Duan Xu was deeply impressed. When they were alone, he quietly said to Li Man'er, "County Princess, I am truly in awe of your skills." He had admired Li Man'er's methods before, but regarding Emperor Chenghua's condition, the imperial physicians had no confidence. Everyone believed it was a sign of the emperor's star falling, yet Li Man'er had managed to save him.
He had followed Li Man'er closely these past few days, deferring to her in all matters. He watched her administer acupuncture, prescribe medicine, and personally test the dosages. Theoretically, the prescriptions hadn't undergone major changes, and the acupuncture techniques were slightly different, but the underlying principle was the same. However, the treatment results were vastly different.
Duan Xu was now completely convinced. He hadn't discovered any special secret recipes used by Li Man'er; it seemed to be the same prescriptions they were all familiar with, just with minor adjustments in the amounts of ingredients. Yet, the outcomes were completely dissimilar to theirs.
Little did Duan Xu know, Li Man'er would secretly add a bit of the spiritual mist spring water to Emperor Chenghua's consumption each time. Once his condition stabilized, she switched to medication alone and discontinued the spiritual mist spring water.
It was no joke; the spiritual mist spring water was far more precious than the dog emperor's life. A few drops were sufficient, and any more would make Li Man'er's heart ache.
During these days in the palace, some people attempted to discreetly gather information, but Qi Yihan, with the imperial guards, apprehended them without making a scene.
His Majesty had resumed his normal court duties, his dragon body was healthy, and he appeared even better than he had in the previous days. While undercurrents stirred in the court, none of this affected Li Man'er. She could finally return home.
However, before leaving the palace, she received another imperial decree. The Emperor not only bestowed upon her a pile of glittering treasures and precious medicinal herbs but also directly granted her a waist token. With this token, she could enter the palace at any time without prior notification, enjoying unimpeded access.
It felt rather impressive.
Carrying the imperial decree and laden with gold, she returned to the Marquis's mansion. Not only did the second branch of the family dare not provoke her, but even Cui Shi no longer dared to find fault with her.
Having cured His Majesty and now possessing the waist token that granted her constant access to the palace, it was like a protective charm. This was too much to handle.
Cui Shi could only endure it, but she was unwilling. Was she to let that girl step all over her to climb higher?
Unwilling.
What angered Cui Shi even more was that she had sent messages to the palace several times, but the Consort refused to see her, nor did she show any inclination to assist her maternal family.
"Doesn't the Consort know how difficult my situation is? This household is about to collapse! Seeing that little vixen gaining more prominence by the day, I am unwilling." Cui Shi wished she could spit out a mouthful of blood.
"Old Madam, please calm your anger. Your current health cannot withstand such agitation," said Nanny Du, who was most loyal and devoted to serving Cui Shi, while also hoping Cui Shi would adopt a more peaceful mindset for her twilight years.
In truth, the Old Madam was simply insatiable!
The Marquis was quite filial. When Madam first married into the household, how glorious it was! Madam was a kind person, beautiful as a flower, and although the Ning family was a merchant clan, their influence in court was not low.
The Old Madam was simply insatiable! If the Madam had not died, perhaps she could have given the Marquis several legitimate sons. If each of them were as intelligent and capable as the elder lady, the Li family's future would be limitless, and there would be no need to worry about the title.
Alas, man proposes, but heaven disposes.
Within Qingping Pavilion, Li Man'er was preparing to rest.
Only Ziyan and Lüyī, two maids, remained to attend to her. Recently, the two young ladies had accompanied Li Man'er on more trips to and from the palace, and their demeanor had improved considerably. Lüyī, in particular, who was once overly lively, had become much more composed, exhibiting the bearing of a senior maid.
"Mistress, when are we moving?"
Li Man'er closed the book in her hand. "Soon, I believe. What, are you so eager to go to the County Princess's mansion?"
Lüyī smiled, her lips pursed. "I always feel that only when you move to the County Princess's mansion will you be truly free, without having to deal with this entire family."
"It's not that easy," Ziyan interjected. "As blood relatives, no matter what, the County Princess must consider her reputation, right?"
Lüyī was somewhat displeased but did not speak as carelessly as before. However, she understood that if those people persisted shamelessly and clung to the County Princess, then their mistress would truly have no recourse.
"I just can't stand seeing Second Mistress's triumphant demeanor."
Ever since their mistress was enfeoffed as a County Princess, the mother and daughter from the second branch had come to curry favor from time to time. They only quieted down when the County Princess entered the palace. Now that she had returned, they had come knocking again, showing no shame.
Ziyan remarked, "What's so strange about that? People are like this; they are only 'kin' when there's something to gain."
They are only 'kin' when there's something to gain.
Li Man'er pondered this statement, a sense of unease suddenly surfacing.
When Ning Shi married into the family, wasn't the Li family's primary motive her dowry? If Ning Shi were still alive, she would surely have had more children with Li Shu, and Madam Guo would not have had the opportunity to marry him.
The more Li Man'er thought about it, the more it felt wrong.
Although the Guo family was an official family, their rank was too low; they weren't even required to attend court! The Ning family, though merchants, were wealthy, incredibly wealthy. Compared to them, why would Cui Shi allow Madam Guo to replace Ning Shi? There was simply no comparison.
In terms of appearance, talent, and family background, the Guo family could not compare to the Ning family. Yet, why would Cui Shi prefer Madam Guo to marry as a second wife rather than let Ning Shi live?
Was it for the dowry?
But even someone as incompetent as Nanny Wu had protected Ning Shi's dowry. Over the years, apart from the original owner's foolishness in giving the shops to Madam Guo and squandering a lot of money, the Li family had not reaped any substantial benefits from it.
Then, what was Cui Shi's reason for insisting on causing Ning Shi's death?
Li Man'er suddenly sat up. How had she only just thought of this? There must be something else she hadn't figured out.
Seeing her strong reaction, Ziyan quickly asked, "Mistress, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, I'm just sleepy. You may go now." Li Man'er stared thoughtfully at the canopy of the bed, her mind in a muddle.
The two then tidied up, lowered the bed curtains, carefully checked the doors and windows of the room, blew out the lamp, and quietly withdrew.
Li Man'er burrowed into the quilt, silently making a resolution. It seemed it was time to make a move against Cui Shi and to uncover the truth of the past.
She was determined to find out the reason why Ning Shi had to die.